Bibhitaki
Terminalia bellirica
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is classified in Ayurveda as Kasahara (Anti-tussive), Keshya (Hair tonic), from the Combretaceae family. Parts used: fruit. One of three fruits in Triphala.
| Botanical name | Terminalia bellirica |
|---|---|
| Family | Combretaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Ayurvedic category | Kasahara (Anti-tussive), Keshya (Hair tonic) |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3189390 · Wikidata Q1983629 · NCBI Taxonomy 155021 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Bibhitaki |
| Common Names | Belleric Myrobalan, Baheda |
| Hindi | Baheda, Bibhitaki |
| Sanskrit | Bibhitaki, Vibhitaka |
| Latin/Botanical | Terminalia bellirica |
Parts Used
- Fruit
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |
Dosha Effects
| Dosha | Effect |
|---|---|
| Vata | Decreases |
| Pitta | Decreases |
| Kapha | Decreases |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Bellericanin
- Beta-sitosterol
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Lignans
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Expectorant
- Anti-tussive
- Astringent
- Anti-diarrheal
- Hair tonic
- Anti-microbial
How is it used traditionally?
One of three fruits in Triphala. Specifically acts on Kapha and is best for Kasa (cough) and Swara (voice). Used in eye disorders (Netra Roga) and hair formulations.
Where is it described in the classical texts?
- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Recommended Dosage
Fruit powder: 3-6g/day; As part of Triphala: 2-4g/day
Safety, contraindications and cautions
- Pregnancy
- Severe debility
What is it made of?
Part(s) Analyzed: Fruit
Tannins
- Bellericanin (1-2%)
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Chebulagic acid
- Ethyl gallate
Triterpenoids
- Belleric acid
- Beta-sitosterol
Lignans
- Termilignan
- Thannilignan
Fatty Acids
- Palmitic acid (35%)
- Oleic acid (24%)
- Linoleic acid (31%)
Analytical Methods: HPLC-PDA (tannins), GC-MS (fatty acid profile), UV spectrophotometry
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Avalehya (confection), Arishta (fermented)
Standard Dosage: 3-6g powder twice daily; 500mg-1g standardized extract; 50-100ml decoction; as part of Triphala (equal parts with Haritaki and Amalaki)
Bioavailability: Gallic acid shows good oral bioavailability (40-60%). Ellagic acid has lower bioavailability (10-15%) due to poor solubility, but gut microbial conversion to urolithins improves systemic availability. Tannins undergo partial hydrolysis in the gut, releasing absorbable phenolic acids. Belleric acid bioavailability enhanced by lipid co-administration. Hot water extraction (decoction) improves phenolic availability compared to cold preparations.
Optimal Timing: At bedtime with warm water for bowel regulation; before meals for metabolic conditions; as Triphala, at bedtime or early morning
Standardized Extract: Fruit extract standardized to gallic acid NLT 10%; total tannins NLT 25%; belleric acid NLT 1.5%. Triphala extract ratio: 1:1:1 by weight.
Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 5 years (properly stored whole dried fruit)
Storage: Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Hygroscopic powder requires moisture protection. Whole dried fruits store best. Temperature below 30°C.
Marker Compounds: Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Belleric acid (bellericanin), Chebulagic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Ethyl gallate, Galloyl glucose, Lignans
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction (1:16 reduced to 1:4) for Kashayam
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for balanced tannin-flavonoid extract
- Hot water extraction for polyphenol-rich fractions
- Ethyl acetate fractionation for belleric acid isolation
- Spray drying for instant decoction powder
Synergistic Combinations
- With Haritaki and Amalaki in Triphala (synergistic Tridosha balancing)
- With Pippali for respiratory Kapha conditions
- With Haridra for lipid-lowering formulations
- With Guduchi for immunomodulation
- With Yashtimadhu for voice and throat health
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2020. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) roxb. (Bahera) in health and disease: A systematic and comprehensive reviewPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 32781393 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153278
Other clinical studies and reviews4
- 2026. The Multifaceted Benefits of Triphala: Uncovering Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties From Antiquity to Modern TimesChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 41151054 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202501825
- 2021. Exploring scientific validation of Triphala Rasayana in ayurveda as a source of rejuvenation for contemporary healthcare: An updateJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33465446 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113829
- 2015. Triphala in prevention of dental caries and as an antimicrobial in oral cavity- a reviewInfectious disorders drug targets. PMID 25966965 · doi:10.2174/1871526515666150513105009
- 2012. Scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal properties of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala: a reviewChinese journal of integrative medicine. PMID 23239004 · doi:10.1007/s11655-012-1299-x
Laboratory and animal studies7
- 2025. Anti Helicobacter pylori activity and gastrointestinal protective effects of Terminalia bellirica: Mechanistic insights from in vitro and in vivo studiesJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 40054639 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2025.119569
- 2025. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Extracts reshape the perifollicular microenvironment and regulate the MAPK pathway for androgenetic alopecia treatmentJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 39236776 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118778
- 2024. Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. and Terminalia chebula Retz. Fruit Extracts Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens: Enhancing Antibiotic EfficacyMicroorganisms. PMID 39770866 · doi:10.3390/microorganisms12122664
- 2024. Combinations of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. and Terminalia chebula Retz. Extracts with Selected Antibiotics Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Bioactivity and PhytochemistryAntibiotics (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39452260 · doi:10.3390/antibiotics13100994
- 2024. Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata dietary supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced behavioral, metabolic and genetic alterations in broiler chickensBMC veterinary research. PMID 39227945 · doi:10.1186/s12917-024-04233-2
- 2023. Bangladeshi medicinal plant datasetData in brief. PMID 37383807 · doi:10.1016/j.dib.2023.109211
- 2023. Terminalia bellirica Fruit Extract Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Gut Microbiota, Inflammatory Mediators, and CytokinesMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37570753 · doi:10.3390/molecules28155783
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